Tired of playing musical chairs with your frozen goods, constantly shuffling bags of peas just to find that last ice cube tray? Imagine opening your freezer and seeing neat rows of food, plus an endless supply of ready-to-use ice. That dream can become a reality, but finding the perfect upright freezer with a built-in ice maker often feels like a treasure hunt. So many models exist, each boasting different features, sizes, and energy ratings. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to decide which one truly fits your kitchen and your lifestyle.
We understand the headache of choosing the right appliance. You want the convenience of an upright design—easy access without deep digging—combined with the simple luxury of automatic ice. This guide cuts through the confusion. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what to look for, from storage capacity to energy efficiency, ensuring you pick the best upright freezer with an ice maker for your home.
Top Upright Freezer With Ice Maker Recommendations
- Advanced & Fast Ice Making: Our commercial under counter ice maker machine can produce 90 lbs of ice in 24 hours, providing 40 clear ice cubes every 10-18 minutes for you and your family. The 24 lb storage container ensures a constant supply of ice, meeting all your daily ice needs for your home, restaurant, bar, or hotel.
- Compact Design: The built-in design with dimensions of 14.96 x 18.47 x 33.99 inches (including adjustable feet) makes it perfect for any standard height kitchen or bar counter, while also allowing the ice maker to be used as a standalone unit.
- Reversible Door & Cold Insulation: The stainless steel ice maker machine door with a handle can be installed with left or right hinges, allowing you to choose the opening direction according to your needs. The 3-layer housing material ensures longer-lasting ice cubes, preventing them from melting quickly.
- Smart LCD Control Panel & Customizable Ice Thickness: The multifunctional control panel displays the ambient temperature and allows you to adjust the ice cube size by changing the ice-making time. The 24-hour timer function lets you set the machine to start or stop running at your convenience.
- Easy-to-Clean & Prolonged Life: The self-cleaning function, activated by pressing the "Timer Clean" button for 5 seconds, helps maintain the ice maker's efficiency and longevity. We recommend cleaning the machine regularly according to usage. The ice maker requires a water supply . Be sure to keep the machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it.
- 【Upgraded Drainless Ice Maker】This under counter ice maker is made of brushed stainless steel, which is more durable and easy to clean. The 22-pound ice storage capacity meets the needs of long-term and large-capacity ice use. The powerful freezing system ensures that the ice cubes are always kept within the range of 26.6-32°F to avoid melting.
- 【Unique Ice Shape】Our crescent ice maker is designed for you who pursue high-quality drinks. It can efficiently produce high-quality, pure, and tasteless crescent-shaped ice cubes. The unique shape and slow melting characteristics can keep drinks cool and delicious for longer, making it the perfect partner for exquisite drinks.
- 【Detailed Design】One-touch switch to start making ice cubes, just press to start the ice making process, no cumbersome settings required. The door and hinges of the ice maker are reversible, you can choose to install it on the left or right side according to your needs, and the feet have an adjustable function, which can flexibly adapt to different space layouts.
- 【Easy Installation】This drainless ice maker adopts advanced drainage-free design, completely bid farewell to cumbersome drainage pipe installation, no need to hire a plumber to install it, you only need to connect the water supply connector and power cord to start normal use. The size design of 14.9"W x 18.6"D x 33.8"H can be easily placed under most standard kitchen counters.
- 【Quality Assurance】Each built-in ice maker has passed ETL certification and meets strict ETL safety and quality certification standards, ensuring that our ice makers meet the highest industry standards in terms of safety and reliability. COTLIN also provides lifetime service support, so you can choose and use this ice maker with confidence.
- High-Quality Ice Cubes: Coolski’s built-in ice machine makes standard 0.87-inch ice cubes which are premium, sturdier than regular ice, and melt slowly, so they keep your drink’s flavor intact. That means the ice cubes may not dispense individually when you go to get them, so you might occasionally need to apply a little force to separate them.
- 12-18 Mins Per Batch Ice: Our commercial under counter ice maker machine delivers 80 LBS/Day and a 25 LBS bin for ample storage. Coolski built-in freestanding ice maker can produce 32 ice cubes every 12-18 minutes, ensuring fast access to ice whenever you need it. It also offers 3 ice cube size options to choose from, which can be controlled via the smart LCD panel.
- Low Maintenance Design: Stainless steel construction is durable, rust-resistant and stands up to daily use. Built-in auto cleaning cycle flushes limescale and residue from ice trays, eliminating worry about ice cleanliness. Coolski freestanding ice maker’s gravity drain design stops standing water, helping keep the interior dry.
- Compact Stylish For Any Space: Our commercial built-in freestanding ice maker has a sleek, space-saving design and supports fully flush installation. No clunky gaps, so it blends in without sticking out. It fits under kitchen counters, home bars, office break rooms and RVs. The ice maker adds a polished look to any decor while staying functional.
- Set Up Tip: After delivery, leave the ice maker upright and undisturbed for at least 24 hours before use. This lets the internal refrigerant settle and ensures smooth, efficient operation from the start. Also, this ice maker uses gravity drainage, so confirm you have space for the drain pipe and outlet near its intended spot before ordering.
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Neatly store frozen food and meals with this spacious 11 cu. ft. freezer that’s perfect for large families and those who love to meal prep. Use it to store frozen appetizers and treats, freezer meals, meats, and more.
- EFFORTLESS ORGANIZATION: Perfect for those who love to stay organized, this compact freezer is equipped with 7 clear plastic drawer compartments that allow for easy viewing of your frozen items while keeping everything neat and organized.
- EASY ACCESS: Say goodbye to bending over and searching for items in a chest freezer. This freezer’s upright design ensures easy access to your food without hassle.
- FLUSH BACK DESIGN: Suitable for small areas, this freestanding freezer features an upright flush back design. Place it in your kitchen, dorm, basement, garage, or trailer to maximize your available space without sacrificing functionality.
- SLEEK STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN: Enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen with the sleek and polished look of stainless steel, adding a touch of modern elegance to your space.
- AMPLE STORAGE CAPACITY: Easily store backup meats, frozen meals, and more with this 6.5 cu. ft. freezer that’s perfect for households of any size
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: The flush back design and recessed handle make it easy to fit in small spaces or tight corners, perfect for smaller areas including trailers, RVs, dorms, and offices
- ORGANIZED STORAGE: This small upright freezer includes six interior wire shelves to help keep your items neatly organized and easily accessible, making it easy to find exactly what you need.
- REVERSIBLE DOOR: Customize the freezer door to open from the left or right to fit your space and personal preference
- SLEEK FINISH: The smooth vinyl coated metal finish adds a sleek and stylish touch to any space and is easy to maintain and clean.
- Never Run Out of Ice: Our under counter ice maker has a potential throughput of up to 80 lbs. of ice per day and stores up to 25 lbs. of ready-to-use ice, making it perfect for entertaining or producing ice-laden confections. It comes out restaurant quality, crystal-clear, slow-melting, taste-free odorless ice cubes that won’t dilute the flavor of drinks, perfect for server stations, office, and bar use.
- Convenient Controls: For hassle-free upkeep, this built-in ice maker features an easily accessible control panel with options like automatic cleaning mode, automatic ice-making mode, alerts a no-water conditions, and a fault warning light. Lets you set ice thickness, self-cleaning mode, and auto-deicing at the touch of a button. The unit automatically shuts off when the ice bin is full preventing overflow.
- Minimum Cleanance: Thanks to a brilliant self-cleaning function and removable internal ice bucket, cleaning can be done simply and swiftly. Self-cleaning cycle for easy maintenance with one flip of a switch. Recommend cleaning the machine regularly to help maintain the ice maker's efficiency and longevity. This ice maker is equipped with LED interior lighting so you can easily check on ice levels.
- Undercounter or Freestanding Installation: Due to the Slim 15-inch width for narrow undercounter applications and front breathing vents, this ice maker can be installed as either free-standing or built-in to existing cabinetry for a more seamless look in your kitchen. This unit is 33" in height to fit under lower ADA-compliant counters. Make sure that your unit is nice and level with the included leveling legs.
- Durable and Attractive Design: An elegantly wrapped handle and commercial-grade durable stainless exterior provide a sleek and classy element to any modern kitchen, and resist fingerprints that easily clean with just water and a soft cloth. The 3-layer thermal-efficient cabinet ensures longer-lasting ice cubes, preventing them from melting quickly, perfect for small-volume ice production in conference rooms, or office break rooms.
- 25 lbs. daily ice production; 20 lbs. ice storage capacity; Crescent-shaped ice provides longer lasting ice
- This unit also operates as a freezer and will keep your ice frozen; No drain line required
- Reversible door can be mounted in a left hinge or right hinge opening direction
- Dimensions: 14.9" W x 20.06" D x 33.31" H
- Includes ice scoop, water line, and removeable ice bin
- HIGH CAPACITY & FAST ICE MAKING – Designed for heavy-duty usage, this commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours, crafting 45 clear ice cubes per cycle in just 11-15 minutes. It features a large built-in storage bin holding 33 lbs of ice, ensuring you never run out during peak hours. The automatic overflow prevention system guarantees safe operation, making it perfect for large families, parties, or commercial settings.
- ETL CERTIFIED FOR COMMERCIAL & HOME USE – Safety and quality are paramount. Unlike standard units, the EUHOMY ice maker is ETL certified for both household and commercial applications. Its versatile design allows it to be used in indoor/outdoor kitchens, restaurants, bars, hotels, or grocery stores. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or running a coffee shop, this machine delivers reliable performance.
- INTUITIVE LCD CONTROL PANEL – Take full control with the smart LCD display. It allows you to monitor the ambient temperature and adjust the ice-making time to customize the thickness of your ice cubes—thin for smoothies or thick for drinks. The panel also features a one-touch Automatic Cleaning function, simplifying maintenance and ensuring your ice is always fresh and hygienic.
- EFFICIENT COOLING & QUIET OPERATION – Equipped with a powerful yet quiet compressor, this under-counter ice machine creates ice efficiently without disrupting your environment. The advanced energy-saving technology helps reduce electricity consumption, lowering your operating costs over time. The stainless steel construction not only looks professional but also provides durability and effective heat dissipation.
- INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE TIPS – This unit utilizes Gravity Drainage (requires a floor drain or gravity outlet; strictly no pump included). Please ensure the drain hose is positioned lower than the machine specifically for optimal drainage. IMPORTANT: Before first use, keep the machine upright for at least 24 hours to let the refrigerant settle. We recommend running the self-cleaning cycle twice before consuming the first batch of ice.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Upright Freezers with Ice Makers
An upright freezer with an automatic ice maker is a fantastic appliance. It keeps your frozen goods organized and gives you instant ice for drinks. Buying the right one means looking closely at a few important things. This guide will help you choose the best model for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these main features first. They make a big difference in how you use the freezer.
Automatic Ice Maker and Storage
- Ice Production Rate: How many pounds of ice does it make in 24 hours? If you host parties often, look for a model that makes ice quickly.
- Ice Bin Capacity: Check how much ice the storage bin holds. A larger bin means you refill the main ice maker less often.
- Manual Override: Some freezers let you turn the ice maker off. This saves energy when you do not need ice.
Capacity and Organization
- Total Cubic Feet: This tells you how much food fits inside. Measure your space before you buy.
- Adjustable Shelving: Shelves that move up or down let you store tall items like turkeys or large pizza boxes.
- Door Bins: Deep door storage is great for smaller items like ice cream bars or bags of frozen vegetables.
Temperature Control
- Digital Controls: These offer precise temperature settings. You can easily see the current temperature.
- Fast Freeze Setting: This feature rapidly lowers the temperature. It helps freeze fresh groceries quickly, which keeps food quality high.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long the freezer lasts and how well it runs.
Interior Lining
Look for a durable interior. Plastic liners are common and easy to clean. Metal interiors are sometimes found in higher-end models and resist stains well. Smooth surfaces are always better because cleaning up spills becomes simple.
Door Seal (Gasket)
The door gasket is a thick rubber strip. A strong seal keeps the cold air in and the warm air out. A poor seal wastes energy and causes frost buildup. Test the seal by closing the door on a dollar bill; if you can pull the bill out easily, the seal might be weak.
Condenser Coils
These coils release heat. Some freezers have exposed coils on the back. Others hide them underneath. Front-venting models are easier to fit into tight spaces because you do not need much space behind them for airflow.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often seen in the details and the technology used.
Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the appliance meets strict guidelines for saving power. Efficient models cost less to run over time, even though they might cost a little more upfront.
Defrost System
- Manual Defrost: You must turn the unit off and melt the ice regularly. This is cheaper, but it is a chore.
- Auto Defrost (Frost-Free): The freezer heats up slightly on a timer to melt frost automatically. This keeps organization easy, but it uses slightly more energy than manual defrost.
Noise Level
If the freezer lives near your kitchen or living area, check reviews for noise complaints. Modern compressors are often very quiet.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the freezer every day.
Organization for Busy Families
Families who buy groceries in bulk need excellent organization. Drawers and clear bins help keep small bags visible. If you stock up on meat, deep shelves are essential.
Bulk Storage for Home Cooks
People who garden or hunt need large capacity. An upright design is better than a chest freezer for this use case. You find what you need without digging through piles of frozen food.
Convenience of Ice
The ice maker is the major convenience factor. If you entertain frequently, ensure the ice maker is reliable and fast. If you only use ice occasionally, a smaller bin might be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the ice maker need a water line connection?
A: Yes, almost all built-in automatic ice makers need a direct connection to your home’s cold water supply line. Some small, portable models have a manual water reservoir, but these are rare in full-sized upright freezers.
Q: Will an upright freezer fit in my garage?
A: Many upright freezers are designed for garage use. Look for models specifically rated for “garage-ready” or “extreme temperature operation.” Standard freezers might struggle to keep food frozen if the garage gets very hot.
Q: How much space should I leave around the freezer?
A: Always check the owner’s manual. Generally, you need a few inches of space at the back and sides for proper ventilation. This prevents the motor from overheating.
Q: Are upright freezers harder to clean than chest freezers?
A: Upright freezers are usually easier to clean. Because items are stored vertically on shelves, you do not have to unload everything to reach something at the bottom, which is a common problem with chest freezers.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of an upright freezer?
A: With regular maintenance, like cleaning the coils, a good quality upright freezer should last between 10 and 15 years.
Q: Can I install the ice maker myself?
A: Installing the water line can be tricky. If you are not comfortable with basic plumbing, it is best to hire a professional plumber to connect the water supply safely.
Q: What is the difference between manual and auto defrost?
A: Manual defrost requires you to unplug the unit and let the ice melt. Auto defrost uses a small heater cycle to melt frost automatically, keeping the interior clear of ice buildup.
Q: Should I choose cubic feet based on my current needs or future needs?
A: It is smart to plan for the future. Most people underestimate how much space they need once they start bulk buying. Add about 20% to your current estimated need for future flexibility.
Q: How loud is the ice maker when it drops ice?
A: The sound varies by brand. Most users report that the sound of the ice dropping is noticeable but brief. If noise is a major concern, look for models with sound-dampening features mentioned in reviews.
Q: Do I need a separate electrical circuit for the freezer?
A: For most standard household freezers, a dedicated circuit is not required. However, plugging the freezer into the same outlet as a high-power appliance, like a microwave, can sometimes cause issues. Use a standard, grounded wall outlet.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!